Veterans' Benefits & Senior Housing

Veterans' benefits are designed to assist those who have served our country in the military with aid and assistance services in a variety of ways. However, one of the most important areas of need in the United States is senior housing; senior veterans who require monetary assistance in purchasing a home or joining an assisted living or other facility might find relief through veterans' benefits.

There are two primary ways to secure senior housing with veterans' benefits. The first is through the Office of Geriatrics & Extended Care of the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. The second is the Aid & Assistance program offered by the Veterans' Administration.

The difference between these two types of veterans' benefits are significant, so it is important for veterans and their families to carefully review their options before applying for assistance. Representatives of both organizations can answer your questions and guide you through the application process.

Senior Housing Assistance Through Geriatrics and Extended Care

The first option for assistance with senior housing offers several different options under the umbrella of geriatrics and extended care. There are programs available for community residential care, home- and community-based long-term care, palliative care and Alzheimer's care. These programs help veterans maintain a high quality of life, often in a facility of their choosing.

Veterans can apply for senior housing benefits online via the VONAPP application. You can also use this web site to find a service near your home which can help you with the application or answer your questions about veterans' benefits.

Senior Housing Assistance Through The VA

If the Geriatrics and Extended Care benefits for senior housing are not appropriate for your particular situation, the Veterans' Administration might be a better solution. The Aid & Assistance program is one of three tiers of improved pension options and is designed to help veterans, or their spouses, who are unable to care for themselves without assistance.

This veterans' benefits option provides an additional pension that is specifically intended for in-home care. Veterans who need help bathing, dressing, eating and attending to other tasks might qualify for up to $1,949 per month (per couple), $1,632 (per veteran) or $1,055 (for a veteran's surviving spouse), according to VeteranAid.org.

This program is not intended to assist with senior housing per se, but to ensure a veteran and his or her family is able to remain in the home with loved ones. This is often the choice for veterans who do not wish to live in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Qualifications for Senior Housing Assistance

There are many different levels of qualifications required for veterans' benefits. Those in need of senior housing options must be able to prove that they meet the minimum and maximum income requirements set forth by the Veterans' Administration and that they require the care for which they are receiving benefits.

For veterans who do not qualify for the Aid & Assistant program, there are two other tiers of improved pensions available through the VA. The housebound and basic pension are offered in instances where significant daily custodial care is not required.